BJP MP from Gorakhpur Yogi Adityanath today sparked off a new controversy over different views on practice of 'Surya Namaskar' at the first International Yoga Day celebrations on June 21.

"Whoever thinks Sun is communal, I would like to humbly request them to drown themselves in the sea or they should be confined into a black cell," he said.

He also said that people opposing Yoga, Surya Namaskar and Geeta are 'narrow minded'.

"Sun is the source of energy for the universe," he said.

Yesterday, Adityanath had said that he will celebrate Yoga Day as planned and will also perform 'Surya Namaskar'.

Meanwhile, after facing severe protest by several Muslim groups, the Central government has decided to drop 'Surya Namaskar' from 'asanas' to be performed by people across the country on June 21.

However, Shripad Naik, Minister of State for AYUSH, the coordinating ministry for the Yoga Day events, said that 'Surya Namaskar' was never a part of the programme.

"It was never a part of the programme. We have not made anything mandatory. It is yoga and has nothing to do with religion. We request everyone... It is an opportunity for everyone in the country to showcase our ancient legacy before the world. This initiative has nothing to do with any party. This will help us bring pride to the country," he said.

India will lead the world to mark International Yoga Day on June 21 and a mega event has been planned in Delhi in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present.

The UN General Assembly had in December last year adopted an India-led resolution, supported by over 175 UN member- states, declaring June 21 as 'International Day of Yoga', recognising that "Yoga provides a holistic approach to health and well-being".